First Aid for Restless Leg Syndrome

Overview

Restless legs syndrome, or RLS, causes the legs to feel uncomfortable while a patient is seated or lying down. Individuals often feel tingling, burning or aching sensations in their legs. Lifestyle changes and medications can provide relief from RLS.

Pain Relievers

According to the Mayo Clinic, over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen may provide relief for people with milder cases of RLS.

Warm and Cold Packs

Warm or cold packs may provide RLS relief when they are placed on the legs.

Relaxation Techniques

High stress levels can aggravate RLS and patients may experience reduced RLS symptoms when they practice relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.

Exercise

Moderate exercise can lessen the symptoms of RLS when a patient exercises regularly.

Medications

Doctors may prescribe pramipexole, ropinirole or a combination of levodopa and carbidopa to reduce the amount of leg movement that a patient experiences while at rest. Epilepsy medications such as gabapentin may provide relief to RLS sufferers.